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Intoxicating Hemp and the Wine Industry

There is a new threat to the wine industry: unregulated intoxicating hemp. Most people know nothing about it, or that it’s even an issue.

Join WineAmerica for a special discussion on the impact of intoxicating hemp and the wine industry. The prevalence of these products has become an existential threat to the wine industry. The lack of any rules and regulations has led to an intoxicating product being sold across our country with virtually no restrictions.

This new threat is due to a legislative oversight. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Congress intended to promote hemp as an agricultural commodity. The hemp provision in the last Farm Bill was going to allow hemp farmers to create a market for non-consumable goods, not to create intoxicating products. Unfortunately, the latter is exactly what has happened.

The lack of federal oversight after hemp legalization allowed for the emergence of consumable products infused with synthetic and semi-synthetic intoxicants extracted and concentrated from hemp. These products are being sold without age restrictions or any federal safety standards, unlike wine and other alcohol products which are heavily regulated and taxed.

.Creating a pathway for consumable, intoxicating products was not the intent of the 2018 Farm Bill. There is no difference between THC derived from hemp or the THC derived from cannabis (traditional marijuana). They produce the same intoxicating effect. Despite the loophole created in the 2018 Farm Bill, consumable hemp products are not “federally legal.” The FDA has repeatedly stated these products are adulterated under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

The FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bills closed the intoxicating hemp loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill. These products are now effectively banned, with a November 13 implementation date. WineAmerica favors this reclassification. We do not believe these products should be sold without proper regulations, and certainly not be sold where alcohol is sold.

The hemp industry is now working around the clock to seek an extension to the ban’s implementation period. The alcohol industry does not seek to put any of these producers out of business, but a reasonable regulatory system must be put in place to protect consumers, law enforcement, and society.

This is a real threat to your business. Join WineAmerica’s Michael Kaiser for a discussion on this topic. Additionally, attendees will hear from a representative of the American Trade Association For Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH). This group  works to support and protect regulated cannabis businesses, and promotes marketplace expansion, safe regulations, and the harmonization of industry standards. ATACH shares WineAmerica’s concerns about the current situation.
This discussion will last 75 minutes.

When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026- 1 pm EST / 10 am PST
Where: Zoom: REGISTER HERE
Who: WineAmerica members and paid attendees only